Frequently Asked Questions
- What is PREP4Kids? PREP (Portland Released-time Education Program) is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian outreach to children attending public schools in the greater-Portland area. The mission of PREP is to help students and their families find purpose and direction in life by offering classes in the Bible within their weekly school schedule.
- What is Released-time? It means public school students can be “released” during school hours for religious training off campus. Released-time is permitted throughout the state of Oregon and in other states as well. PREP operates within the legal statute of ORS 339.420.
- Where are PREP4Kids classes held? PREP classes are always off-campus and are usually held at a church close to your child’s school.
- Why is PREP4Kids during school and not after? We believe the Bible is a crucial tool that should be part of a child’s education. Besides moral & spiritual training, instruction from the Bible is valuable for understanding the many religious references in subjects such as history, language, music, and art, throughout a student’s entire educational experience. Children miss only about one hour (out of about 30 regular school hours) to attend PREP and receive education from the Bible as part of their curriculum. The students are allowed by law to make up any work that is missed at school. The YMCA, Dartmouth Medical School, and the Institute for American values all supported a study which found that children in released-time classes did as well or better academically than their classmates who do not attend.
- Who are the workers? Each class is run by an individual group of volunteers that consists of parents, pastors and other adults, all of whom have gone through an extensive application process and criminal background check. As a parent, you can feel safe with the volunteers who will be caring for your child.
- How will my child get there? Students are escorted by adult PREP supervisors who have been designated specifically to transport your child. Students walk if the church is within a few blocks or are driven by the PREP supervisors with clearly labeled “PREP” vehicles.
- What happens at a typical PREP4Kids class? Each class meets once a week and lasts about one hour. Students are led in fun Bible songs and taught engaging Bible stories. Often, activities or games are used to reinforce the lesson and make practical applications to everyday life. PREP curriculum is an overview of Scripture in a continuous 5-year cycle. The Old Testament is studied the first 3 years using Answers in Genesis curriculum, followed by 1 year on the Life of Christ and 1 year on the New Testament Church.
- Why should I send my child to PREP4Kids? PREP is unique because it focuses on the student’s spiritual well-being. Each PREP student learns positive attitudes, healthy behaviors, how to set good moral standards and make wise choices and is empowered with hope for the future. If your child does not attend church or Sunday School, PREP is a great place to start! For students who do attend church, PREP is a good opportunity for them to continue their Bible learning during the week and to develop Christian friendships at school.
- Can I visit my child’s PREP4Kids class? Yes, we welcome parents who want to visit. If you plan to visit more than once, we ask that you go through our application and background check process for the safety of the students.
- How do I enroll my child? There is no cost to attend PREP. Simply download and fill out a permission slip or contact the PREP office 503-281-7764 and we will mail one to you. Please return your completed permission slip to the school your child attends.
- Is PREP4Kids school sponsored? No. PREP is not sponsored or endorsed by any public school. Schools may not encourage or discourage participation or penalize students who do or do not attend.